government test #1

What is the definition of Government?

The formal institutions through which a territory and its people are ruled and provide services.

What are the services provided by the government called?

Public goods, such as a stable economy and foreign defense.

What is Pluralism?

Struggles amongst small groups or political groups.

What does Politics involve?

Conflict and struggles over leadership, structure, and the policies of the government.

What is Autocracy?

A form of government in which one person holds all the power.

What is Oligarchy?

A form of government in which a small group holds power.

What is Democracy?

A form of government in which many people participate.

What does Constitutional mean in a government context?

Codified legal limits on what government can and cannot do.

What is Authoritarianism?

A government with few legal limits, some of which may be imposed by smaller groups.

What is Totalitarianism?

A government with no limits on its power.

What is Direct Democracy?

A system that permits citizens to vote directly on laws and policies.

What allows for Representative Democracy?

Citizens select government officials but do not vote directly on legislation.

What is Political Power?

The ability of individual citizens, groups, and organized interests to influence the government.

What is Political Knowledge?

Understanding that influences a government’s leadership, organization, and policies.

What is Political Efficacy?

The belief that one can influence government and politics.

What is Political Trust?

Citizens' trust in local and state governments that has declined, particularly in the national government.

What is the Declaration of Independence?

A statement of the colonies' belief in natural free rights and human rights separating from Great Britain.

What was the Articles of Confederation?

A league of friendship between the 13 colonies with a weak central government.

What was Shays Rebellion?

A conflict that highlighted the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.

What was the Virginia Plan?

A proposal for a bicameral legislature with proportional representation based on population.

What was the New Jersey Plan?

A proposal for a unicameral legislature with equal representation regardless of population.

What is The Great Compromise?

The agreement that created a bicameral legislature consisting of the House of Representatives and the Senate.

How does the Constitution limit government?

By outlining the powers of government and establishing checks and balances.

What is the Bill of Rights?

The first ten amendments to the Constitution that protect individual rights from the government.

What is Federalism?

A system where power is shared between national and state governments.

What does the Supremacy Clause establish?

That federal law is the supreme law of the land.

What does it mean to ratify?

To change or approve, commonly done by conventions and states.

What are the benefits of Federalism?

Encourages political participation, diverse viewpoints, and inclusion.

What are the limits of Federalism?

Certain aspects of the Constitution may prohibit national government from enacting overreaching laws.

What is Intergovernmental Relations?

Different interactions between levels of government within a country.

What are Expressed Powers?

Specific abilities explicitly stated in the Constitution.

What are Implied Powers?

Powers not exactly stated but expected to be exercised.

What does the 10th Amendment state?

Any powers not given to the federal government are reserved to the states or the people.

What are Reserved Powers?

Powers that are specifically reserved for the state.

What does the Credit Clause require?

Each state must give Full Faith and Credit to the public acts of other states.

What is Dual Federalism?

A system where power is divided between national and state governments.

What is Cooperative Federalism?

A system where states work together to meet certain goals.

What was the significance of McCullough vs. Maryland?

It implied the existence of implied powers under the Necessary and Proper Clause.

What did Gibson vs. Ogden establish?

The federal government's power to regulate interstate commerce.